‘It’s become divisive’ – islanders are split on reopening
IRELAND’S inhabited islands have been the areas most sheltered from the coronavirus crisis engulfing the country since March.
The remoteness of western areas such as Co Galway’s Aran Islands and Co Mayo’s Achill Island – both had fewer than five cases according to Government data – have helped them stay almost Covid-19-free.
But now locals and businesses on islands are split on the question of whether to open up to tourists on June 29, a decision announced last Friday.
That announcement came after the original five-phase plan out of lockdown, which would have allowed the islands open up on the final phase in August, was scrapped.
“They didn’t give a date. Many people assumed it would be brought forward to [the new] phase four,” said Seán Kyne, Minister for the Islands.
There was surprise when it emerged they could open by the end of the month, he said.
“There are certainly differences of opinion, including between the residents of different islands.”
For example, Inis Oirr recently had a vote in which 92pc of people were against reopening, according to the minister.
“To compound matters there have been issues with water, they haven’t seen rain since St Patrick’s Day,” he said.
Representatives from the group Comhdháil Oileáin, the Islands Federation, were yesterday meeting to discuss their concerns.
Afterwards, they released a statement calling for clarity and guidance from the Government regarding the safe reopening and required supports.
“Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann have sought clear guidance and protocols from the Government and Nphet [the National Public Health
Emergency Team] for the safe reopening of the islands and other related issues.
“To date [the federation], has not received any written reply to submissions to State agencies seeking direction and supports for the offshore Islands,” it said.
The board “on behalf of all offshore islands” said it was again urgently seeking clarity and guidance from the Government regarding the safe reopening and required supports.
PJ Flaherty, who runs Joe Watty’s bar on Inis Mór, said it was “absolutely vital” the islands were allowed to open up to tourists.
“If we don’t open up, we’re finished,” he said.
“We only really have until September and that’s the end of the season.
“The whole country has already opened up for Irish people.
“You see locals going to the mainland and mixing with people in Galway, there’s just as much chance that they could get the virus as tourists,” he said.
“There’s going to be massive competition for the Irish euro this summer.
“It’s only Irish tourists I’d be expecting.
“We are going to operate in accordance with the
Government’s guidelines. If people adhere to those guidelines, I don’t see why not.”
Mr Flaherty pointed out that he employed 10 people who also needed the seasonal income.
Mr Kyne has said he will consider Comhdháil Oileáin’s view and will bring it to Cabinet on Thursday.
Some island residents who spoke to the Irish Independent did not want to be named.
“I’d rather not, because it’s really becoming a divisive issue,” said one local who is involved in the community.
‘If we don’t open up, we’re finished. The whole country has already opened up.’